Denise Houdas 9.925 score tied for first in the balance beam and led Illinois State to second place in the five-team Midwest Independent Conference Gymnastics Championships Saturday at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
The meet's defending champions, Illinois State's 194.775 score--its best of the season--actually exceeded its meet-winning total in 2001, but this time was behind the Flames' 196.025 mark.
The Redbirds, now 11-11 in dual competition, came into the meet ranked No. 47 in the nation and finished only behind No. 33 UIC (which has dealt ISU four of its 11 losses this season). Southeast Missouri State, ranked No. 53, was third with No. 62 Centenary fourth and No. 75 Winona State finishing fifth.
Houdas beam score matched her own team best mark of the season.
Heather Mohler took third place in the all-around competition (39.050) and tied for No. 3 in the vault (9.750). Carlee Wright topped ISU with 9.850 score in the floor exercise. Mohler and Wright tied for third on the beam with 9.875 marks.
As a team, the Redbirds matched their season-bests in the vault (48.375) and balance beam (49.225).
Now, coach Beth Larsons team will await another judges decision--whether or not the Redbirds will earn a bid to the NCAA South-Central Regional Championships April 6 at Arizona State. It would be Illinois States fifth NCAA bid.
